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La Croix, I. (2009) Colchicaceae Flora Zambesiaca 12(2)
Climbing perennial herbs. Tuber lobed. Leaves cauline, alternate above, often whorled below, sessile; apex attenuate into a recurved tendril or aristate. Flowers solitary in leaf axils. Perianth of 6, free almost to base, equal, orange-yellow, segments, slightly saccate at base. Ovary 3-locular with many ovules; style straight with 3 branches. Capsule ovoid, 3-valved, septicidally dehiscent. Seeds spherical, red, on long funicles. Derivation of name: after Dr Samuel Litton (1781-1847), Professor of Botany at Dublin Comment: Description: Stem erect or scandent, unbranched. Leaves sessile, the lower ones opposite, alternate or in whorls of 3; upper ones alternate, linear to ovate, sometimes with an apical tendril. Flowers axillary, pedicellate, nodding. Perianth bell-shaped, yellow, orange or greenish. Style continuing line of main axis of ovary (compare Gloriosa). Capsule septicidal, ovoid-oblong; seeds globose with fleshy outer coat. Worldwide: 5 species from tropical Arabia and NE Africa south to South Africa Zambia: 2 taxa. |
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| Species | FZ divisions | Provinces | Content |
| lindenii Baker | N,W,C | Nw,Cb,Lp,N,C | Description, Image |
| littonioides (Welw. ex Baker) K.Krause | N,W,C | Cb,Lp,N,E,C,Lk,S | Description, Image |
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